Battle brings 1066 to life

The sounds of battle-cries rang out from the field of Senlac on Saturday as Battle staged a huge renactment of the moment that shaped English history.

More than 1,000 Saxon and Normans clashed in a spectacular reconstruction of the Battle of Hastings which sold out days before the event.

Hastings Week: 1066 march down Battle High Street. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-161015-062253001

Present were representatives from Normandy, including from St Valery-sur-Somme, from which the Norman invasion fleet set sail.

On the Friday, more than 600 local school children assembled in costume at Battle Abbey, before taking part in a colourful parade up the High Street, led by King Harold and Duke William.

Children taking part came from Robertsbridge, Crowhurst, Vinehall, Catsfield, Sedlescombe, Netherfield and Ninfieldm as well as from Battle itself.

Event organiser Simon Alexander said: “We started work on our commemorative day back in June 2013 and are delighted that it was such a great success on the day. We welcomed the Home Secretary and the French and Danish Ambassadors, and also the Mayors from five French towns all closely connected with 1066. Also represented at the formal luncheon were visitors from four other EU countries, as well as the United States and Canada.”

Hastings Week: 1066 march down Battle High Street. Photo by Frank Copper. SUS-161015-062228001

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